Former Barbadian-born Test batsman, Roland Butcher, does not believe the Cricket West Indies (CWI) panel of selectors deserves all the vitriol that it has received following its announcement of the West Indies T20 squad for the World Cup.

The decisions to include Chris Gayle, omit Jason Holder from the final 15, and the inclusion of veteran fast bowler Ravi Rampaul have been among those that have drawn criticism.  Others have called for the inclusion of players that put in strong performances in the recently concluded CPL, which includes the likes of Sherfane Rutherford and Odean Smith.

Butcher, who has himself sat on a selection panel for Barbados, has insisted some of the picks were understandable and insists that in fact, some players left themselves out of contention and does not see why the panel should bear that burden.

“In terms of the selection, Jason holder really should have been selected, because he may not have done well of late but he is a proven player if we use him correctly.  I think Jason is someone you use to bowl four overs there and then, let him bat later on the game, and he is also a good fielder,” Butcher told the Mason and Guest radio program.

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That's the best and most balance argument I have heard the last week. I am not a supporter of Roger Harper and his selection team as most of you on this blog would know because I have always called for them to be fired. But this time I fully support them and the team they have picked. I would not leave Gayle out for anyone because he is one of the few players that can destroy any bowling attack out there. Rampaul has always been a good bowler that uses his brain. Ocean Thomas, though not consistent but his extra pace could be a game changer. Darren is not my favorite t20 player but he too just needs a good inning to regain his confidence. I like Holder but in T20 I wouldn't drop Pollard, Russell or Dwayne Bravo to play him. Fortunately he is in the reserve should anything goes wrong with anyone. We can't go with everybody and it's good to see how our young talents stepped in during the CPL. They make me feel good about our future

In reply to Sylobaby

Why not pick sir Viv too? He destroyed alot of bowlers too...once upon a time

In reply to Sylobaby

Same can be said for Rutherford and Holder and.....



Holder claimed players "ruled themselves out" because of lack of performance...so on what basis was DM Bravo selected?

Do you not understand that Rutherford failed physical and was not available? The question you should ask is, why didn't Rutherford play for the Guyana Amazon since he is Guyanese? I hope you read the article because Butcher answered that question. Holder is on the reserve and I would not be surprised to hear him in the 15 before the team leaves the Caribbean. Yet if that doesn't happen I still conclude that he did do enough to earn a position. He could only be selected as an all rounder and you will agree with me that Russell, Bravo, Pollard consistently performed. Furthermore the likes of Shepherd, Dominick Drakes and Smith all pushed harder than Holder.